. >>> yesterday's announcement of pope benedict xvi's resignation came as a shock to most of the world. the pope said he plans to step down at the end of this month for health concerns. the vatican is already beginning the process of trying to find the next spiritual leader but there is no clearcut choice. even the college of cardinals was caught off guard by the announcement. professor kurt martens of catholic university spoke about it. >> when john paul ii was ill, basically they knew what was coming. so they had time to prepare, to talk, to look at the challenges and to look at candidates, possible candidates. that is now not the case. >> the church expects to have a new pontiff in lace by easter sunday. -- in place by easter sunday. that is march 31. jessica? >> thanks so much, andrea. >>> massive federal budget cuts are set to kick in, in just a few weeks. that could mean furloughs for hundreds of thousands of federal and civilian workers. the measures could hit our local work force very hard. if you are facing a furlough, you don't have to take it lying down. joining me now, john